At the India AI Summit 2026, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani unveiled an ambitious plan to invest ₹10 lakh crore over the next seven years to accelerate India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem. The announcement marks one of the largest private-sector commitments toward AI infrastructure and digital transformation in the country’s history.

Ambani said the investment, led by Jio Platforms in collaboration with Reliance’s broader technology and energy arms, aims to position India as a global AI powerhouse while ensuring that AI innovation remains accessible and affordable.

Focus on AI Infrastructure and Data Ecosystems

A significant portion of the investment will reportedly be directed toward building large-scale AI-ready data centers, high-performance computing facilities, and cloud infrastructure tailored for Indian enterprises and startups. The company plans to expand its network of green data centers powered by renewable energy, aligning the AI push with sustainability goals.

Jio is also expected to enhance its AI cloud offerings, enabling developers, research institutions, and businesses to train and deploy AI models at scale within India, reducing reliance on overseas infrastructure.

Boost for Startups and Digital Innovation

Ambani emphasized that the AI investment is not limited to infrastructure alone. Reliance plans to support Indian startups working in AI, machine learning, robotics, healthcare technology, fintech, agriculture technology, and language-based AI solutions.

The initiative aims to empower small businesses and rural entrepreneurs with AI-driven tools, enabling productivity gains across sectors such as farming, logistics, retail, education, and healthcare.

AI for Bharat: Bridging the Digital Divide

A key theme of the announcement was “AI for Bharat.” Ambani highlighted the importance of developing AI models trained in Indian languages and tailored for local use cases. Jio’s expansive telecom network is expected to serve as the backbone for delivering AI services to millions of users, including those in rural and semi-urban areas.

The company also hinted at partnerships with educational institutions to build AI research hubs and skill development programs, preparing India’s workforce for emerging AI-driven industries.

Strategic Implications for India’s Tech Landscape

Industry observers view the ₹10 lakh crore investment as a strategic move to compete with global technology giants and strengthen India’s digital sovereignty. The scale of the commitment signals confidence in India’s growing digital economy and its potential to become a major AI innovation hub.

With regulatory discussions around AI governance gaining pace globally, Reliance’s investment could also influence the shaping of India’s AI policy framework and public-private collaboration models.

Long-Term Vision for a Tech-Led Economy

Ambani reiterated that AI will be central to India’s next phase of economic growth. He described the investment as a nation-building effort designed to create jobs, foster innovation, and enhance productivity across industries.

If executed as planned, the seven-year roadmap could redefine India’s digital infrastructure landscape and significantly expand the role of homegrown technology solutions in the global AI ecosystem.